Mr. Anwar Rasheed Chairman | Travel Network

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27, with the fundamental aim & purpose to raise awareness on the role of tourism and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.

Firstly i would definitely appreciate the team of Holiday Weekly for bringing out the supplement on the day and keeping our tourism flag high.

The symbolic barrier of one billion international tourist arrivals of bigger than 1.5 trillion Dollar industry was surpassed way back in 2012. As per the latest statistics in the first six months of 2017 the destinations worldwide welcomed 598 million international tourists, some 36 million more than in the same period of 2016.At six per cent, growth was well above the trend of recent years, making the current January-June period the strongest half-year since 2010, according to the UNWTO.Now the numbers continue to grow so much that the forecasts estimate a new threshold of two billion will be reached in 2030.

Blessed with immense natural and human resources, Pakistan has great cultural heritage, picturesque valleys, and ancient historical remains. Pakistan holds several distinctions like; first Muslim and seventh Nuclear power of the World; a country having about 60%youth population with ambition to acquire higher quality education and skills. Pakistan’s youth is its future. But with all these positives Pakistan tourism industry couldn’t grow the way it should have.

Pakistan is not, what is being projectedby some biased media; the reality is that Pakistani are very amiable. In the field of tourism, Pakistan offers many allures in the developing world. The historical and cultural heritage of the nation presents a testimony for glory of this ancient land, the country inherits numerous tourist attractions as there are few places on the earth that possess the majesty and grandeur of the northern region of Pakistan.

Pakistan has six major cultural sites that are categorized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include: Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro of the Indus Valley Civilization, 1st Century Buddhist Ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Shahr-i-Bahlol, The ruins of Taxila from the Gandhara Civilization, The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Historic Monuments of the ancient city of Thatta, and The ancient fort of Rohtas.

Now it is high time that the Federal and Provincial Governments should work hand in hand for the promotion of domestic tourism and upgrade the basic infrastructure, a pre requisite for international tourism. Tourism, as a subject should be taught at school, college and university level.

Pakistan’s Tourism promotional materials should be distributed in the all the domestic and foreign airlines operating in Pakistan. Initiate Air, Bus, Train Safaris and Cruise services and Every Pakistan patriotic citizen should own Pakistan and play his due role for the promotion of responsible tourism in Pakistan.

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